Las Vegas Schools

[Yung Apprentice]

Just curious to know if there are any Kung Fu schools here that anyone knows of that aren't listed? There is the Hsing-Yi school on Nellis. There is the United Self Defense Studios, pretty much everywhere in town.(although I have yet to find out what styles they teach) The Lohan school on Spring Mountain. The Wing Chun school that Watchman (what ever happened to him?) told me about. There is a teacher of Tai Chi, Yang style who also teaches Pushing Hands, he teaches at the community college and at UNLV. I also heard there is a teacher who teaches Hung Gar at UNLV. ( There is the Shaolin-Do school, but I chose not to list that one:D ) Are there any other CMA schools I left out? Or teachers?

[Taomonkey]

There is a school, I cant remember the name exactly, its located right next to that big Chinese mall, north of the strip. The Chief Instructor and Owner is Migel Hiero. He is highly qualified and is a very powerful instructor,

[Yung Apprentice]

In which style?

[swmngdragn]

A former student of Wai Lun Choi teaches in Las Vegas. His name is Jack Soderburg. He teaches a mixed bag of martial arts with a base of Lama Pai. Jack's students train extremely hard, and learn how to fight. Period. I don't have a number, or an address, but the Count does. He's an admin on the Internal Arts board. Contact him, and I'm certain he can get you in touch with Jack. Good luck!!! :)

[Yung Apprentice]

Jaguar Wong, TigerStyle, WatchMan, do you know of any others?

[Jaguar Wong]

taomonkey,
what style does he teach. The only school I've seen near the chinatown mall is a Karate school. Of course I haven't been to the area in a little while.

swmngdrgn,
Yes, that school is another good one. I didn't know the address, but I know Sifu Jack, and a few of his students. They were pretty much the only other kung fu school at all the tournaments we went to. I've never sparred any of them, but I did compete in forms competitions against several of them. We used to cheer when they would get DQ'd for excessive contact. It's not their fault, they just didn't train for "tapping", so it was nice to see another school losing points for "fighting like they trained".

As for other schools, I wouldn't trust the Tai Chi taught at the community college. It's not the best around (people just go for one semester for PE credit, so the cirriculum, sp?, isn't as in depth as an actual school). I never heard of anyone teaching Hung Gar there. I do know of a couple of good Hung Gar sifus from the Buck Sam Kong lineage. I can get you some more info, if you give me some time. They are hard core instructors that take their training very seriously. I was probably going to go to one (or both, they're affiliated with each other) to start learning Choy Li Fut, and Hung Gar. There was another very talented Wing Chun guy that had a school near where Watchman was mentioning, but he no longer has the facilities, and only offers private instruction now. It's more that worth it, though. He sticks to the basics when he teaches, and it's all about function, and use...not how good the "masters" are. It's all about how good you will be.

Other than that, I'd probably have to do a much more intensive search. If you're interested in Karate, though. There is a great school (Universal Kenpo) off of Jones and Spring Mountain. They have some of the cleanest technique I've seen. Also, I know you're looking for kung fu, but there is a great Muay Thai instructor, Master Toddy, that coaches several amateur champion Muay Thai fighters (mostly women, but Marvin Eastman, of King of the Kage fame trained with him). Also there is the JSect Academy (BJJ) headed up by John Lewis (poor John, they're going to keep showing that Jens Pulver KO every time they advertise a UFC now ;)). He turns out some very impressive fighters and grapplers.

[Ray Pina]

I'll be in Vegas if anyone wants to get dinner on the 28th. We can have a bite, exchange ideas, concept, whatever. I',, be mad busy the rest of the week, but I get in a day earlier then eeryone else.

Thursday night, late as well, but I'll probbaly be down for more fun.

[Dark Knight]

United Studios teaches Shaolin Kempo Karate. It is not Kung Fu in the traditional sense, but if its a good instructor its a good system.

[Yung Apprentice]

HHHHMMMM. Thanks JaguarWong, please do get back to me on that info on Hung Gar, please! The schools I'm currently looking at are the Hsing-Yi school,and sifu Jack's school.( I just need an address ) But if there is a Hung Gar school here I would definately look into this as well.

[African Tiger]

One of my friends from shooting "The Mummy 3 aka The Scorpian King" is an instructor there.

The sifu is one of my sifu's first black sash recipients. They are, if I am not mistaken, a Five Animal/Five Family and Tao Tan Pai school, as my school is one. They are in direct lineage with Ark Yuey Wong and Share K Lew.

Good people, very generous and hard working. Tell Sifu "Ross" Gonzaga that Giacomo said hello, if you stop by there.

[Yung Apprentice]

JaguarWong sometimes trains there, he might even know them. I'm also considering them.

[Jaguar Wong]

Yeah, I know "brotha" Ross (we all just call each other "brotha", but he says "bruddah" sometimes). He's easily one of the most "deceptive" CMA guys I know. He doesn't look or act like he can kick some serious butt. He doesn't have the build of what most people think fighters should look like, but he's got more power than people much larger than him, because of his technique. I love watching him do his Tiger stuff, and watching him pull off his acrobatic stuff is just amazing to me (diving handsprings...I mean DIVING).

He's one of the instructors at the Lohan school. My Sifu is a Black Sash under African Tiger's Sifu, so we have a pretty good relationship going. African Tiger's Sifu is also one bad mutha. Our school is mainly Northern Shaolin, but Sifu still teaches a lot of the stuff from Sifu Carl, and Ark Wong. I personally prefer Northern, but I've learned the Crane, and Dragon sets from Sifu Carl's 5 Animals stuff.

I'll see what I can dig up about the Hung Gar schools, though. Their CLF is also some good stuff. I think Sifu Jack's school is in the phone book. The style is listed as Tibetan Lama Pai, I believe. I'll check that out as well.

[Yung Apprentice]

I just lookked it up in the phone book, and nada. JaguarWong, is the Lohan school like a forms school?

[Yung Apprentice]

I know I've already asked this once before, so please refresh my memory, what are the different styles they teach at the Loahn school? I also just looked up your bio, did you train in praying mantis at the Loahn School?

[Jaguar Wong]

Basically the type of training at the Lohan school is all dependant on what your goals are. It's not a "hard core" fighters school anymore, though. Not that it could have competed in the UFC, but most students there nowadays seem more interesed in forms, instead of using what they're learning. They're all good people, and it's not their fault, cause most of them are young and impressed by "cool looking stuff". There are still a few good guys there that like sparring, train hard, and care more about using what they're learning, instead of learning the next form.

Everything in my profile I learned at the Lohan school (including the wrestling/BJJ, because we used the facilities when there wasn't a class going on). I learned different stuff from different people, but the Praying Mantis, Tai Chi, and Northern and Southern Shaolin, I learned from the Head Sifu in the school. He also gave me a little exposure to Hsing I, and Bagua, but the school's strength is Northern Shaolin, Southern Shaolin, and Praying Mantis (IMO, that order, but others will differ ;)).

[Tigerstyle]

The Lohan School also has a pretty good lion dance team. :)

Don't quote me on this, but I may have heard that Sifu Jack Soderburg no longer teaches (at least not from a formal "school" type location). The last location I remember him at is on Sahara Ave. (somewhere around the Valley View area, I think).

If anyone else has any more acurate info, please post here to correct me.

[Yung Apprentice]

I found sifu Jack Soderburg's school in the phone book.
The school is called Create Develop & Flow
The address is 101 S. Rainbow Blvd.
The phone number ( in case yall want it ) is: (702) 251-1111



JaguarWong, at the Lohan school, does the praying mantis teacher teach "low mantis" and does the teachings go in depth? ( it's 7 star mantis, right?)

Also any word yet on the Hung Gar schools?

[Ray Pina]

Anyone feel like training, a friendly show you mine if you show me yours. I'll be landing at the airport at 2:45 on the 28th and have the whole day open. Unfortuantely I'll be working the rest of the week.

Peace
Ray

[Tigerstyle]

Had to be a Monday, huh?

I'll see what's cookin' on the 28th, but I can't make any guarantees. Angel is on that night ;)

[Jaguar Wong]

I'm not sure what "low mantis" is, so I can't say whether or not he does teach it. I know the stuff he teaches is 7* influenced, but I'm not a "mantis guy", so I only did a little stuff here and there. I learned a few of the forms, and kept track of things like the principles (12 character principles), techniques, and other stuff I thought I might be able to use with my Northern Shaolin.

As far as the depth of the mantis taught there. It goes about as deep as it can for a "mixed style" school. I'm sure you could grill Sifu for more stuff other than what he shows, but the way he teaches is to give the students a good understanding of each of the styles, and let them decide what's right for them, so they can approach him for the "deeper" stuff. I'm a Northern S. guy, so I grilled him about that, so I can't say how deep the mantis would be. I've seen a couple of guys that really like the mantis stuff, and really try to get deep into it, but I've never really seen anyone excel at it. I think a lot of what's missing may be on the student's end, though. Sifu likes sparring, and he's not against it at all, but he doesn't have a regular scheduled sparring class, or session. But the students don't really take an initiative to set a group up outside of the regular cirriculum (sp?). The guys that spar now (Tigerstyle and myself included), were part of the "older group", since we were there when he first started teaching in Vegas, and we sparred all the time, but we don't see many of the younger generation guys willing to put the gloves on.

It's not like we hurt them, or they're cowards, it's just that some of them have the wrong idea about sparring (I'm figuring they got it somewhere in the school, but I haven't found the "source" yet), developing bad habits, and incorrect technique usage. They have too much faith in their forms. It wouldn't be so bad if I saw them doing more drills, and practice their kicking and punching more often (I've noticed a few cases of "flowery fists" and "embroidered feet" if you catch my meaning). Again, that's only a small "clique" of guys. There are still a few hard core guys that I still learn a lot from, just by talking to them.

I haven't been down to the school, so I couldn't ask around about the Hung Gar guys, but I'll let you know as soon as I can.

[Jaguar Wong]

Oops I forgot the other stuff...

EvolutionFist,
I'm not sure, but I may be able to pull something together for a Monday. Just email me and Tigerstyle and we'll see what's doin'

Tigerstyle,
You wouldn't happen to be talking about the very same lion dance team that appeared in the casino scenes of Rush Hour 2, would you? *shameless plug*

They're alright, but I think they "fell off" when we left the group. :eek:

[Yung Apprentice]

Low mantis ( from what I know ) is a mantis version of ground grappling. I heard it's very effective. ( if, as with all things, taught properly ) From what I've heard low mantis practioners hold their own against JJers and other ground grapplers. I know it's called something else, I just can't remember.

[Yung Apprentice]

OOOOOOO, and please don't forget about the info on the Hung Gar school, I'm interested in this style.:)

[Jaguar Wong]

LOL, I'll try to get down there this weekend to start pokin' around for the Hung Gar info.

No, he doesn't teach low mantis BTW. I've never heard of it, but the only grappling I've seen is what little Chin Na we did (most of the Chin Na stuff I do now is on my own with other Chin Na guys). Sifu was always open minded about other styles, especially since the UFC came out (around the beginning, we always went to his house to watch them). We had a couple of guys with wrestling experience, and Sifu was always open to them showing us some stuff (mostly defensive, and escape, unless we wanted to pursue more on our own, which was never a problem with him). We even used his school to practice BJJ (or at least we did when we were rolling). Some of the students always made little comments and jokes (they all backed down when Tigerstyle would always "invite them onto the mat"...in a friendly "show me" type of way of course), but Sifu always had much respect for the stuff we were doing. Although he did make some requests while we were rolling "Use the Figure Four (from pro wrestling)!", but that's because he was always a joker, not out of disrespect, since he made the same requests while we would do stand up sparring. :)

[Yung Apprentice]

Yeah Tigerstyle in a friendly "show me course"....... isn't that whats also known as a royal butt kicking!?:D

[Yung Apprentice]

I'ma hold you to what you said about getting the info this weekend. I'll be looking for it 4:00 monday morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D ( just joking! ):)

[Yung Apprentice]

Is the Lohan school the only school that teaches a mantis style?

[Tigerstyle]

Yung,
There are probably other schools that teach Mantis here (there are lots of MA schools here), but I wouldn't know any others off hand.

[Jaguar Wong]

I only report your actions truthfully. You make yourself out to be the bully ;). I just thought it was funny that they made such comments (to their senior school brothers of all people), but when asked to show us what they're talking about (Well, I would just do technique x if you went for that), they made more jokes to sound like they weren't backing out. That's all. You just pushed them into backing out, cause you're a bully :p

Yung,
Like Tigerstyle said, there are plenty of MA schools around, but I don't know of any off hand that also teaches Mantis (The Shaolin-Do school has some mantis stuff, but you've already got some concerns with the school/style itself, so I'm just merely presenting info). Yes our Sifu is very cool/mellow about stuff like cross training, as long as you're not "style hopping" (3 months here, 6 months there...). He fully belives that you need a base or core style to build on, and he doesn't really care of it's Northern Shaolin, Praying Mantis, or even Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as long as you don't abandon that core to pursue other things. That core will always be your "fall back" style if things get crazy. And that's what's important.

[Ray Pina]

Cool, will do. Always open to see what's out there. What's the weather been like? Warm I hope.

[Tigerstyle]

Evolution,
For us it's cold, but it's probably warm for everyone else.

[Ray Pina]

I was surprised how cold it was last year when I went -- we have this trade show at this time every here. It's still warmer then here though.

[Yung Apprentice]

It was about 35 degrees last night while getting home from work. About 4 o'clock on the morning. As for different schools it's hard for me to find some. My resources are very limited.If it's not in the yellow pages, and or I can't ask anybody about it online, then I wouldn't know about it.(schools)

I don't know what to do, I just can't pick a sifu out of the yellow pages call them up, and ask if they know any other schools that aren't listed. I'd feel like I'm disrespecting them.

But the styles I'm very interested in are: Hsing-Yi, Mantis(southern or northern) ,Hung Gar, and Eagle Claw. Techniques I would like to learn are : Iron Body, Iron palm/fist, chin na, and goldenbell (sounded interesting). I would like to learn ONE style, to build a foundation on. I would like to find out what schools are out here,what styles, and then I'll base my desicion on where I want to train after I visit them. I already know of a Hsing-Yi school that I heard is supposed to be good. JaguarWong knows of a Hung Gar school. Other than the Lohan school, and the Shaolin-Do school, I don't know of any other mantis schools.I know the Kenpo school incorporates some mantis, but like I said before, I would like to build a foundaton first. I 'm pretty sure there isn't an Eagle Claw school here.Which is why I pick your brains so often. I don't know where else to look. So if anyone finds some info on other mantis school or any schools on the style listed ( or not ) that would be very much appreciated.

[Yung Apprentice]

I hate to bother you once again, but have you found anything on the Hung Gar schools? Also, most schools I noticed are in Vegas, are there any schools (hopefully good schools ) in North Las Vegas, or Henderson?

[Jaguar Wong]

What part of Vegas are you haunting? I don't know much about the MA community in North Las Vegas (tha hood), or Henderson, but I do have some vague sketchy knowledge of one of the Hung Gar classes. He teaches at the Le'Tang Dance studio (I know Ralek's just itching to point this out, huh ;)), but I'm still looking for his schedule and contact info. The dance studio is on Sahara down near Commercial Center Drive (I think that's the street). It's not really North Las Vegas, but it's close (there's an adult theater, and an arcade in the same shopping center.

I'll try to find out more, though.

[Yung Apprentice]

I know of that place. I should. It's my side of town, and about five minutes walking distance from me. I live near 6 th street if your familiar with this part of town. I used to live in Naked City.


Thats actually pretty cool!:) Thank you very much.

Area of town dosen't really matter to me. I'm just trying to find a very good school to learn from. As long as it's in Las Vegas,Northtown,or Henderson, it dosen't matter to me. I won't travel all the way out to Pahrump or Boulder City or some far out place though!:D

[Yung Apprentice]

But don't forget the contact info, please. Jaguar Wong, do you think someone form your school or a sifu of yours know of any other schools? Especially the styles described above?

[Yung Apprentice]

Any and all information will be greatly appreciated.:)

[Jaguar Wong]

Sorry, I had a pretty crappy and chore packed weekend. I'll see about buggin' a couple of guys from the Lohan School, though.

[Yung Apprentice]

Take your time. I hope I wasn't coming off as being to persistant, and rushing you. If I did, I apologize.:)

[Yung Apprentice]

You were asking about the weather. I heard it got down to the mid to high twenties here. Extremely cold by Vegas standards. So you might want to pack something warm.:)

[Ray Pina]

Are there any martial arts supply stores in Vegas? That could be a good resource.

Is there a Chinatown? A stretch of CHinese restuarants or at least a small asian community? An herbal shop?

Maybe check accupucture places, or see if there are energy healing arts being taught at the local university, maybe one of the professors has studied abroad, brought back some bood Ba Gua, you never know. There has to be someone, no?

Either way, good luck. I have to say, I've been blessed with good teachers. I could understand the frustration of being without one though. Better to take the aproach you're taking, spend some time weeding out and using quality control, so when you do settle down you get the good stuff.

Good luck. It will happen.

[Yung Apprentice]

There are some Martial Arts supplies store here. There is a very small area called chinatown here. It's actually just a chinese mall, and a bunch of restraunts. I don't know about the herbs. The Hsing-Yi teacher I asked you about teaches about the use of herbs. But as of right now I don't know much about it.

[Yung Apprentice]

But thank you.

[Yung Apprentice]

I hate to bug you again, have you found out about class info on the Hung Gar schools, or other CMA schools?

[Jaguar Wong]

Well, none of the lazy bums that I emailed have responded yet. I was too busy taking care of the family this weekend to pursue it any further (lil' woman, and the lil' one are both sick). I'll email them again, though.

Sorry this is taking so long. I thought it would be a snap to find the info, but I guess it's not common knowledge like I thought it was.

[Yung Apprentice]

No problemo! I just thought you might have forgotten! I found a couple other schools that aren't listed, on the internet. I'm going to call to make sure they are still open. ( Just in case it's old information ) But no you aren't taking long. I'm just lucky your patient enough to help me out.




P.S. I hope the misses and the lil one feel better.:)

[Yung Apprentice]

I found out that Migual Hiero guy is the instucter at the Karate school by chinatown. I guess he teaches both Karate and Kung Fu.


Are you familiar with a Mr. Chris McCune? He has a school in Henderson, No Rules type of thing. He teaches Kung Fu San Soo? And some brazilian JuiJitsu. What is Kung Fu San Soo? I've never heard of that. Heres the website, if you haven't any prior knowledge of him.

www.cmnorules.com Have you heard of him,and if so what is his and his school's reputation?

[Yung Apprentice]

It sounded a little strange to me.

[Yung Apprentice]

I think in the lineage it said it's Tsoi-Li-Hoi-Fut-Hung. Is this an actual style? Sounded like CLF or Hung Gar by some of the words in there.